‘Project studio’: Building and maintenance

The planned ‘project studio’ ‘Building and maintenance’ links innovative knowledge and methods of different disciplines with a research-oriented learning programme in the context of the Master’s degree course. Its work is based upon building research and historical construction knowledge, on the basis of which students address issues presented by existing buildings. The long-term perspectives and dynamics of these buildings, material aging, concerns regarding historical artefacts, and resource-saving development of existing structures is discussed not only in terms of architecture but also related to architectural themes via the input of other specialisations of the discipline. Via the area ‘Nature and conservation’ (project partner Prof. Günther Vogt, Institute of Landscape Architecture), for example, it is possible to address cyclical phenomena, long-term issues, development and renewal processes, climate-induced change, property management and migration-induced habitat changes relevant in the context of architecture. Existing buildings must also be understood as dynamic systems whose renewal cycles – despite low growth rates – accelerate rapidly and measurably according to building industry investment. Cooperation with Prof. Markus Peter’s Chair of Architecture and Construction adds the perspective of the drafting architect on engineering issues and complex themes of existing building development; the Institute of Historic Building Research and Conservation addresses conservation approaches to existing buildings.
In this 4-semester course students link scientific work, historical building research knowledge, conservation and sustainable business strategies with design in the context of an existing building object. This is a new approach in the architectural study programme. The themes dealt with in the project studio are also closely linked to current research projects at the Institute of Historic Building Research and Conservation.

• Links fundamental theoretical knowledge with practical, research-oriented tasks
• Focuses on strategies and methods for acquiring knowledge, rather than on simply conveying knowledge
• Connected with current institute research projects in the ‘project studio’

The project studio integrates the wide range of interdisciplinary approaches of experts in various disciplines (e.g. landscape architecture, property management, restoration, and geology). Here the varying subject-specific knowledge-gathering strategies of the different disciplines are of particular didactic interest.

The interdisciplinary subject matter conveyed may suffer in the context of the practical tasks.

A very informative course. Direct application of the methods/knowledge acquired in the exercises greatly facilitates understanding of the area (existing buildings), which is a keyword concept but is not known as a subject.

• Do not skimp on the time you allot for practical application of the subject matter learned, in relation to that for knowledge transfer.
• Give learners enough space during their short practicals.